Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method performed by a computer configured by the execution of instructions in one or more programs stored in a non-transitory storage medium for hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request for a bidding system, the method comprising: performing by the computer a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received, (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A is received, (iii) a second request, from a second bidder on the first-level, for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is received and (iv) a bidder response from a third bidder on a second-level which is a response to the request for quote A1 is received, and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, automatically or manually transmitting, to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level.
A computer system manages access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: storing, in the database, the received bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
The bidding system described above stores all bidder responses in a database, enabling later access and transmission to other bidders. This facilitates the re-use of existing estimates when multiple bidders request quotes for similar items. The system stores the received bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the second level of the third bidder is directly below the hierarchical bidding levels of the first bidder and the second bidder.
In the above bidding system, the lower-level bidder who provides the initial response is one level below the first and second bidders. This ensures a direct hierarchical relationship when reusing estimates. The second level of the third bidder is directly below the hierarchical bidding levels of the first bidder and the second bidder.
4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: automatically segmenting the buyer dossier A items according to a pre-prepared item classification that maximizes the probability of the re-use of responses to quote requests.
The bidding system described above automatically categorizes the items in the buyer's request (dossier A) according to a pre-defined classification scheme. This scheme is designed to maximize the likelihood that bidder responses can be reused across multiple quote requests. The system automatically segments the buyer dossier A items according to a pre-prepared item classification that maximizes the probability of the re-use of responses to quote requests.
5. A method performed by a computer configured by the execution of instructions in one or more programs stored in a non-transitory storage medium for hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request for a bidding system, the method comprising the steps of: performing by the computer a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received, (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iii) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second level to the request for quote A1 is received, (iv) a second request for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is transmitted by a second bidder on the first-level; and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, automatically or manually transmitting, to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level.
A computer system manages access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review.
6. The method according to claim 5 , further comprising: storing, in a database, the received bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
The bidding system described above stores all bidder responses in a database, enabling later access and transmission to other bidders. This facilitates the re-use of existing estimates when multiple bidders request quotes for similar items. The system stores, in a database, the received bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
7. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the second level of the third bidder is directly below the hierarchical bidding levels of the first bidder and the second bidder.
In the above bidding system, the lower-level bidder who provides the initial response is one level below the first and second bidders. This ensures a direct hierarchical relationship when reusing estimates. The second level of the third bidder is directly below the hierarchical bidding levels of the first bidder and the second bidder.
8. The method according to claim 5 , further comprising: automatically segmenting the buyer dossier A items according to a pre-prepared item classification that maximizes the probability of the re-use of responses to quote requests.
The bidding system described above automatically categorizes the items in the buyer's request (dossier A) according to a pre-defined classification scheme. This scheme is designed to maximize the likelihood that bidder responses can be reused across multiple quote requests. The system automatically segmenting the buyer dossier A items according to a pre-prepared item classification that maximizes the probability of the re-use of responses to quote requests.
9. A data processing system configured by the execution of instructions in one or more programs stored in a non-transitory storage medium for hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request in a bidding system, comprising: a quote request module configured to request (a) quotes that are associated with buyer dossier items set, from a buyer and (b) quotes that are associated with bidder dossier items sets that are a subsets of the buyer dossier items set, from one or more bidders; an estimate module configured to receive bidder responses from a third bidder on a second-level which are responses to the quote requests; an estimate storage module configured to store bidder responses received by the estimate module; and a quote reply module configured to transmit the bidder responses to corresponding quote requests, wherein the quote reply module is configured to perform a process for controlling access by a second bidder of a first level to the bidder response sent by the third bidder to a first bidder of the first level, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether specific bidder dossier items set corresponding to a quote request by a specific bidder is duplicative of one or more bidder dossier items set corresponding to quote requests by other bidders, and automatically or manually transmitting a copy of a bidder response sent to the first bidder, to the second bidder on the first level or other bidders on the first level who have made quote requests that are associated with bidder dossier items sets that are duplicative of the specific bidder dossier items set, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder or other bidders on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, the third bidder controlling the quote reply module, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level.
A bidding system includes modules for requesting quotes from buyers and bidders, receiving responses from bidders at lower levels, storing those responses, and sending them to corresponding quote requests. The system controls access by second level bidders to responses sent to first level bidders. It checks a database to determine if the items in a bidder's quote request are the same as another bidder's request. If they are, the system can automatically or manually transmit a copy of the response to the second bidder or other bidders, contingent on any specific conditions imposed by the original responding bidder. The original responding bidder retains control over the quote reply module and can prevent access.
10. The system according to claim 9 , wherein the estimate storage module is configured to openly permit access to one or more bidder responses stored in the estimate storage module.
In the bidding system described above, the module that stores the bidder responses allows open access to the stored information. The estimate storage module is configured to openly permit access to one or more bidder responses stored in the estimate storage module.
11. A data processing system for hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request comprising a processor configured by the execution of instructions in one or more programs stored in a non-transitory storage medium to perform a method including: performing a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system including when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received, (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A is received, (iii) a second request from a second bidder on the first-level, for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iv) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second level to the request for quote A1 is received, and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are substantially the same as the bidder dossier A1 items, and automatically or manually transmitting to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level.
A computer system manages access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers substantially the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are substantially the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review.
12. A data processing system for hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request comprising a processor configured by the execution of instructions in one or more programs stored in a non-transitory storage medium to perform a method including: performing a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system including when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iii) a second request from a second bidder on the first-level, for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iv) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second-level to the request for quote A1 is received, controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, and automatically or manually transmitting to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level; and storing in the database the bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
A computer system manages access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review. The system stores in the database the bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
13. A data processing system for hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request comprising a processor configured by the execution of instructions in one or more programs stored in a non-transitory storage medium to perform a method including: performing a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received, (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iii) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second-level to the request for quote A1 is received, (iv) a second request for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is transmitted by a second bidder on the first level, and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, and automatically or manually transmitting to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level.
A computer system manages access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and a second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review.
14. A data processing system for hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request comprising a processor configured by the execution of instructions in one or more programs stored in a non-transitory storage medium to perform a method including: performing a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received, (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iii) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second-level to the request for quote A1 is received, (iv) a second request for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is transmitted to a second bidder on the first level, and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, and automatically or manually transmitting to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level; and storing in the database the bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
A computer system manages access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and a second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response. The system stores in the database the bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
15. A non-transitory storage medium including program instructions for implementing a data-processing system of hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request, the program instructions stored in the storage medium being executable by a processor to perform a method including: controlling access to data in the bidding system including when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received, (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A items is received (iii) a second request from a second bidder on the first-level, a second request for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iv) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second-level to the request for quote A1 is received, and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, and automatically or manually transmitting to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level.
A software program controls access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review.
16. A non-transitory storage medium including program instructions for implementing a data-processing system of hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request, the program instructions stored in the storage medium being executable by a processor to perform a method including: performing a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system including when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iii) a second request from a second bidder on the first-level, a second request for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iv) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second-level to the request for quote A1; and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, and automatically or manually transmitting to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder, determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level; and storing in the database the bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
A software program controls access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review. The system stores in the database the bidder response, for subsequent consultation and transmission to other bidders on the first-level.
17. A non-transitory storage medium including program instructions for implementing a data-processing system of hierarchical multi-level segmentation and estimate reuse request, the program instructions stored in the storage medium being executable by a processor to perform a method including: performing a process for controlling access to data in the bidding system when: (i) a buyer request for quote A that is associated with buyer dossier A items being put up for quotation is received, (ii) a first bid, from a first bidder on a first-level, a for quote A1 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A1 items which are a subset of the buyer dossier A items is received, (iv) a bidder response which is a response from a third bidder on a second-level to the request for quote A1 is received, transmitting to a second bidder on the first level a second request for quote A2 that includes a quote associated with bidder dossier A2 items which are another subset of the buyer dossier A items; and controlling access by the second bidder to the bidder response sent to the first bidder, the process including determining, by the second bidder referencing a database to which the bidder response from the third bidder on the second-level is sent, whether the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, and automatically or manually transmitting to the second bidder, a copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder in a case that the bidder dossier A2 items are duplicative of the bidder dossier A1 items, in response to a request of the second bidder to have access to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder determining whether specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are met, preventing, in the automatic transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level when it is determined that the specific conditions imposed by the third bidder on the second-level are not met, and preventing, in the manual transmission, the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level, when the third bidder on the second-level determines, upon review of the request for access from the second bidder on the first-level, to block the access by the second bidder on the first-level to the copy of the bidder response sent to the first bidder on the first-level.
A software program controls access to bidding data. When a buyer requests quotes (quote A) for items (dossier A), and first and a second bidders request quotes (A1 and A2) for subsets of those items (dossiers A1 and A2), the system controls access to responses from lower-level bidders. If a lower-level bidder (third bidder) responds to the first bidder's request (A1), and the second bidder's request (A2) covers the same items as the first bidder's (A1), the second bidder can access the first bidder's response. The system checks if the items in dossier A2 are the same as A1 using a database. Access can be automatic or require manual approval from the lower-level bidder who provided the response, allowing them to block access based on predetermined conditions or a manual review.
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October 31, 2017
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